Dry Mouth & Soda

Allergy season has hit early this year, which means that people are taking their antihistamines already.  Antihistamines, as well as antidepressants, can cause a dry mouth.  Because saliva flushes away decay-causing bacteria, it's important to keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water, chewing sugarless gum and sucking on sugarless candies.

Watch drinking soda though, as it erodes enamel.  Use a straw to limit the liquid's contact with teeth and rinse with water after you drink.  In addition, avoid brushing right after you have acidic drinks or foods (citrus fruits) as this can exacerbate erosion.

Have a Great Spring from us all at Dr. Osmanski's Dental Office!  

KEEP AN EYE ON OLDER FILLINGS

White resin fillings last for about 8 to 10 years, and silver fillings last up to twice as long.  Beyond that, fillings start to wear down, become loose, or crack, allowing bacteria to seep in, which causes decay.  Your dentist can identify fillings that need to be replaced.  The same rule applies to bridges and crowns.  

All of us here at Dr. Osmanski's Dental Office want to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!  

IRISH BLESSING:  

May love and laughter light your days,

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours,

wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world

with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons

bring the best to you and yours!

Are you drinking the amount of water you should drink every day?

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism and is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters.

Research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day can ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79% and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Water also contains Fluoride, as it exists naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine, the thirteenth most common element in the Earth's crust. It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.